creating transactions vs. relationships

When I do my daily writing, one question I often ask myself is "What Do I Want To Create Today?"  It's a question that typically gets my brain moving in a good direction.  For some reason - maybe something I was reading, a discussion I was having - the words Transactions vs. Relationships popped into my head.  So, let's take a look....

Creating a Transaction in today's world can certainly be challenging.  But it's doable.  As I found out way back when as a stockbroker, transactions are often driven by numbers.  Call (or more likely today) email enough people, ask them a question or make a request i.e. purchase this product or service and you'll probably find someone to say yes.  In fact, when I was doing that work in the financial services field, we had it down to a science: 300 calls = 30 conversations = 10 likely prospects = 1 sale.  I'm sure those numbers have shifted since the 90's and my days of cobalt blue shirts.  The point is what I've just described is all about time spent, effort invested and return.  There's very little about quality, the depth of the humans I spoke to and most of all, it's simply not about serving.    It's primarily about ROE with the E standing in for my Effort.

Creating Relationships is such a beautifully different practice - in fact I almost hate calling it a practice because it's something that happens almost effortlessly in its best and most authentic form.  And this holds whether we're talking about romance, coaching, fundraising and yes, even finance (I'm happy that things have evolved since my days on Wall Street!).    In almost every way it's the opposite of creating a transaction:  It's not about quantity or the number you've reached out to.  It is all about the quality, kindness and connectedness of your interaction.    Most of all there is no E!  There is no intention on either part for any kind of return.  Relationships are at their best when each person is giving simply to give.  Serving to serve.  End of story.

I'm not sure I introduced anything very new here.  However, I hope this a helpful reminder about the brilliance of What You Can Create Today.